After averaging 22.6 points, 6.2 assists and 5.0 rebounds in his senior season at Iona, AJ English went on to play in the Portsmouth Invitational, where he was named tournament MVP.

From Portsmouth, he was invited to the NBA Combine and worked out for at least a dozen NBA teams.

English went undrafted, but got plenty of offers overseas and eventually signed with Enel Brindisi in Italy.

Every year, the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament (PIT) kicks off the NBA draft process. The event features the nation’s top 64 college seniors battling it out in front of NBA scouts and international teams as they pursue their dream of turning pro.

An invitation to the PIT is a proven path for the next invite: a workout with an NBA team, the NBA Draft Combine, summer league, and the ultimate goal—an NBA contract.

SLAM’s original series: PIT: Road to the NBA, follows select players as they pursue their dream.

Former PIT players currently in the League include Jimmy Butler, Jeremy Lin, JJ Barea, DeMarre Carroll, Robert Covington, Kent Bazemore and Wesley Matthews.